Instagram Posts Are Now Searchable on Google: Here’s Why That’s Big for Your Business
Big news for business owners who use Instagram: your posts can now show up in Google search results.
Meta confirmed that, starting July 10, public Instagram posts are being indexed by Google in more regions. That means your content—photos, Reels, and even carousel posts—can now be discovered by people searching on Google, not just scrolling through Instagram.
For small business owners and creatives, this is a huge opportunity. Here’s why:
1. Your Instagram Can Work Like SEO Now
Google is pulling information from your captions, hashtags, and even alt text to understand what your post is about. So if you’re already writing helpful, descriptive captions, you’ve got a head start.
Imagine someone searching for “modern coastal home styling” or “Annapolis brand designer” and your Instagram post shows up alongside websites and blog posts. That’s free traffic you weren’t getting before.
2. Local Businesses Could See a Big Boost
If you’re a local service-based business, this change is huge. Someone searching “best custom cookies in Annapolis” or “Maryland organizing expert” might now find your Instagram post—whether or not they even have an Instagram account.
For businesses that rely on referrals or visual proof of their work, that’s a game-changer.
3. Evergreen Content Can Finally Work on Instagram
Instagram has always felt fleeting: posts do well for a few days, then disappear into the algorithm. But now, your content can live longer. A post from months ago could show up in search results if it’s optimized well.
4. Your Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Because your posts can now be found outside the app, they need to be polished and purposeful:
Write captions that include the keywords people might actually search for.
Use alt text strategically (don’t skip it, Google reads it).
Keep your visuals on-brand and professional, first impressions matter.
What This Means for You
This update blurs the line between social media and SEO, which is great news if you’ve been putting effort into creating high-quality Instagram content. You don’t need to overhaul your strategy, but you do need to think about your posts the way you think about your website: consistent branding, helpful information, and visuals that stop people in their tracks.
If you want help creating a Instagram strategy alongside templates that are not only scroll-stopping but also search-friendly, that’s exactly what I help my clients with.